TECOM Investments, a leading developer of knowledge-based business clusters and a member of Dubai Holding, has hosted the first quarterly edition of the 2009 SME Builder, designed to equip small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with critical and up-to-date business management skills.
The event featured Gillian Foster, Manager – Centre for Responsible Business, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Foster’s presentation on ‘Corporate Social Responsibilities for SMEs’ outlined how companies can build on existing achievements and good practice to maximize benefits for their businesses as well as their internal and external stakeholders.
Ninety-eight companies from a wide range of sectors participated in the one-day event open to all SMEs operating in the UAE. Leading experts in areas such as Consulting, Finance, HR, Marketing, Sales, IT and Law, were on hand to offer strategic advice, sharing their knowledge on the best strategies to overcome challenges in the SME sector.
Dr Amina Al Rustamani, CEO, TECOM Business Parks, said:
‘SMEs serve as the backbone of every economy and TECOM Investments continuously explores innovative ways to empower not only our Business Partners but also the entire community of small businesses operating in the UAE. This event is especially important as it provides an ideal platform for SMEs to gain valuable market insights and leverage the knowledge of experts to drive their growth.’
‘CSR is no longer a luxury, or a choice, for companies. We opted for CSR as the theme of this year’s first event because a successful company is one that positively impacts its community.’
Hasan Makansi, Chair, TECOM Partner Development Management, said: ‘During times of economic difficulties, TECOM Investments and its various entities strive to support companies based in the UAE by making available professional expertise. The role of CSR is as important to SMEs as it is to major corporations.
‘Initiatives such as the SME Builder are being launched through the Partner Development Management at TECOM, to offer value added services and support overall growth. We intend to continue providing SMEs with similar services throughout this year.’
Until last year, the quarterly SME Builder meeting was held under the aegis of Dubai Knowledge Village, the region’s hub for human resources management and a member of TECOM Investments.
Imparting sound business practices that boast a universal applicability, the SME Builder sessions are organized for the benefit of all, irrespective of the individual industrial sector in which they are active.
*source-ameinfo
